"Choose 100% fruit juices over the fruit-flavored kinds, which have fewer nutrients. But since even the former have lots of calories and sugar, children over seven should have only eight to 12 ounces a day. If your kids want more, dilute it with water." —Mary Gavin, M.D., pediatrician, author of Fit Kids

Problem #2: My daughter refuses to eat vegetables. Any advice?

"Make them fun. For example, we have a treat called Going Fishing. I cut up carrots, then put peanut butter and Goldfish crackers in separate bowls. The kids dip the carrots in the peanut butter and then 'fish' for the crackers." —Cherlyn Fuhrmann, Collinsville, Illinois, mom of five

"I see what they like to eat out and try to re-create those foods at home. For instance, we make our own pizza. Our version has more veggies, but it's pizza, so they will eat it." —Tara Nelson, Bountiful, Utah, mom of four

"When you must get them fast food, supplement the meal with items that have more nutritional value. If they insist on having chicken nuggets, for example, see that they get a salad, some fruit, and a glass of milk or bottled water along with it." —Dorothy Brayley, executive director of Kids First, a nutritional program

Problem #4: My child's lunch period is at 10:30! What should she eat?

"She needs a lunch with staying power to sustain her through the day. Pack her something with protein, fat, and carbs like a peanut-butter-and-jelly or cheese sandwich, and give her 2% milk." —Ellyn Satter, M.S., R.D., author of How to Get Your Kid to Eat...But Not Too Much

"Want to get the lunch period pushed back a few hours or add a snack time? All school districts with national school-lunch programs are required to come up with local wellness policies. Get involved in these committees; it's your chance to have a say." —Karen Johnson

Problem #5: Our boys eat a lot. How do I get them to cut back?

"First, have your kids eat only at the table and away from the TV or computer. Second, be sure they have plenty of water with meals. And third, don't allow second servings until at least 20 minutes have passed." —Henry Legere, M.D., pediatrician, author of Raising Healthy Eaters: 100 Tips for Parents

"Serve salad and veggies at the start of the meal. Better for them to get full on healthy foods, versus high-fat ones." —Alice Jo Rainville, Ph.D., R.D., associate professor of nutrition for Eastern Michigan University

Problem #6: I give my child healthy brown-bag lunches — but how do I know if he's eating them?

"One way to find out whether he'll eat something healthy is by giving it to him at breakfast or dinner. If he likes it, put it in his lunch bag." —Michael Gomez, chef in Crescent City, California, who created TEEN CHEF, a school program that teaches kids about nutrition

"Look for wrappers from foods you didn't pack — a telltale sign that your child's been trading!" —Alice Jo Rainville

Problem #7: My nine-year-old decided he wants to be a vegetarian. Is this OK for a kid his age?

"This kind of diet can be healthy for your child — as long as he gets certain nutrients that meats would normally supply. Three cups of milk a day will provide much of the necessary protein along with vitamin B12 (found naturally only in animal products). He can get iron, zinc, and other B vitamins through a varied diet that includes dried beans and peas, nuts, and fortified whole grains. Of course, you should also make sure he gets six to nine servings of fruits and veggies a day, as well as a multivitamin mineral supplement." —Bridget Swinney